Former Press Representative Accuses Siarhejs Cichanouskis of Rudeness, Blackmail, and Inability to Build a Team
siarhejs Cichanouskis, a prominent figure in the Belarusian opposition, is facing accusations of difficult behavior and creating a toxic work environment from his former press representative, Stanislav Bespalov. Bespalov detailed his concerns in a Facebook post, alleging a pattern of mistreatment towards staff and a shift in focus from challenging the Belarusian regime to internal conflicts.
Bespalov stated he initially offered his help to Cichanouskis free of charge after being impressed by his initial speeches following his release from prison. Though, “the first worrying signs appeared” during a meeting with bloggers and the media, and the situation deteriorated from there.
According to Bespalov,Cichanouskis struggled to maintain a stable team,with an operator lasting less than two weeks,the first assistant around the same length of time,a second operator less than a month,and a security guard remaining for approximately two months. “The team assembled and fell apart as quickly as it was created,” Bespalov wrote. He described Cichanouskis’ behavior as “rude” and accused him of “pressure and blackmail.”
Bespalov also claimed Cichanouskis blamed his office for being denied a visa-a situation he alleges was Cichanouskis’ own fault-and that relations fully fractured after a trip to the United States.
“It was then that I felt that his main enemy was beginning to change: instead of the regime, he was increasingly concentrating on those with whom it was easier to go to war here, abroad. Anyone who dared to criticize or at least have a different opinion automatically became a ‘laboratory’,” Bespalov stated.
During a November trip to the United States to film meetings with the diaspora, Bespalov alleges he was pressured to publish a critical statement against Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s office. “The situation is extremely unpleasant. After such blackmail and an attempt to use me as a tool for personal disputes, I have no desire to continue working with siarhejs,” he concluded.
Siarhejs Cichanouskis gained prominence as the husband of imprisoned Belarusian activist Maria Kalesnikava and became a key figure in protests following the disputed 2020 presidential election. He has as been released from prison and continues to advocate for democratic change in Belarus.